May 30, 2024  Early on in my degree, when I finally located the Art Building, I found myself walking into Art History 331: Modern Art and Architecture. I must admit I was not excited about this course as I never really understood modern or abstract art, but as soon as we were past the course outline, I knew this was exactly where I was meant to be. The class was not just about paying tribute to abstract art, it was about starting a discussion. Professor Stark asked the class to analyze works by artists such as Piet Mondrian and share and compare what we saw. He then shared history, background and context that shaped movements like Impressionism, Cubism, Surrealism, Dada, and Pop Art. He encouraged us to form strong opinions on each work and told us that it’s valid to say you don’t like something if you can back it up. The course completely changed my perspective on art. As I have jumped into more studio classes, art theory and art history, my perspective is continuously challenged. In each class I get to put more of my knowledge into practice. Since then, I have had the privilege to hear guest artists and architects such as Curtis Cutshaw who have taught me how to improve my own voice as an artist, and ways to become a successful future architect. My classes and professors have played a big part in my UCalgary experience, helping my degree live up to the dream I had in my head as a prospective high school student. However, my most memorable and, by far, favorite experiences have come from joining a Club. UCalgary has over 300 Student Union Clubs, which allow our students to connect to the larger campus community and make friends they likely would not have met within their degree. When I started my undergraduate journey at UCalgary it was the beginning of COVID-19 and I wanted to make some friends even though everything was online. So, I joined Alpha Omicron Pi, one of two sororities on campus. All my most memorable experiences at UCalgary have been with these women who I have spent so much of my time with. Being connected to the broader campus community in this way has given me leadership and networking experiences I didn't even know were possible and pushed my dream of attending UCalgary beyond what I could have imagined. Therefore, my most memorable experience at UCalgary would have to be right now – not only because I’m President of Alpha Omicron Pi, but I’m also a full-time Co-op student in the Office of the Registrar, gaining hands on work experience as a Digital Recruitment Ambassador. Long story short, I’m enjoying the ride. I have been at UCalgary for 5 years and I'll likely be here for 3 more, with the goal of doing an exchange program and completing my minor. The hands-on experience I have gained this far is unmatched to anything I expected, and I feel privileged to be in an environment where I am continuously being inspired by friends, professors, artists, architects and coworkers.
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